BREAKING FREE PART 2 LEGALISM

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Series on Breaking Free
2. The Third Trap: Legalism
3. Two Gospels in the New Testament
4. The Conflict in Acts 21
5. Romans 6:14 – Freedom from the Law
6. Galatians 5 – Context and Clarification
7. James 2:24 – The Law Still Taught?
8. What Leaven Really Means
9. Mirror Study Bible Insight
10. Closing: Live Free by Grace

Introduction: The Series on Breaking Free

Pastors Leonard and Lori open by sharing their appreciation for those supporting New Life Ministries. They then introduce the current three-part series titled Breaking Free, which explores spiritual traps that keep believers stuck. The first two parts addressed traditionalism and experiential religion. This third message focuses on legalism, defined as trying to earn righteousness through works, rules, and law-keeping.

The Third Trap: Legalism

Pastor Leonard explains that legalism is the most dangerous trap because it masquerades as righteousness. Legalism teaches that you are justified not just by faith, but by what you do. He distinguishes this from the gospel of grace, which lifts burdens and fills the believer with joy and confidence, not guilt or inferiority. He emphasizes that if the gospel you hear leaves you feeling condemned or like you're not doing enough, it's not the gospel of grace.

Two Gospels in the New Testament

Leonard explains that there were two gospels being preached in the early church: one of grace and one of works (circumcision, law). He acknowledges that the Book of James contains beautiful truths like James 1:17– "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
However, James also wrote in James 2:24– "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
This is a stark contradiction to Paul’s message of justification by faith alone, requiring believers to rightly divide the Word.

The Conflict in Acts 21

Pastor Leonard recounts the scene in Acts 21:20– "And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:"
Paul had to confront the church leaders in Jerusalem because they were sending Judaizers to demand that Gentile believers obey the law of Moses. Instead of rejoicing over grace, they were still clinging to the law.

Romans 6:14 – Freedom from the Law

Leonard cites Romans 6:14 to explain the real power of grace: "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
He stresses that the law gives sin power. When you're under grace, sin loses dominion. True grace doesn’t lead to more sin—it leads to freedom from sin and shame.

Galatians 5 – Context and Clarification

The core text for the message is Galatians 5:1-4, 9-10, beginning with:
Galatians 5:1– "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
He explains that the "yoke of bondage" is the law.
Galatians 5:2– "Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing."
Paul rebukes those who return to legalistic rituals.
Galatians 5:3– "For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law."
Leonard highlights the impossibility of law-keeping, including obscure rules like fabric mixing or boiling a kid in its mother’s milk.
Galatians 5:4–"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
He warns that attempting to earn righteousness by the law causes one to fall from grace.

James 2:24 – The Law Still Taught?

Revisiting James 2:24, Pastor Leonard reaffirms: "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
He argues this verse represents a clear theological divide in the early church. While he respects the Book of James, he believes this verse cannot be reconciled with the gospel of grace and Paul's message of righteousness by faith alone.

What Leaven Really Means

The message then turns to Galatians 5:9–"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."
Traditionally, churches teach that this refers to sin. But Leonard explains from the context of Galatians that leaven represents legalism. It only takes a little legalistic teaching to infect and corrupt the entire gospel message. Like sourdough starter, it multiplies quickly.

Mirror Study Bible Insight

Pastor Lori reads from the Mirror Study Bible's interpretation of Galatians 5:9:
“It is impossible to hide the effect of the smallest amount of yeast. The process of fermentation is immediately triggered… hosting even a tiny little bit of legalism infiltrates one's entire belief system. This keeps judgment and accusation, and sin-consciousness alive and neutralizes the joy of the Christ life.”
Then she reads Galatians 5:10– "I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be."
Paul expresses faith that the Galatians will return to grace, and warns that those burdening others with the law will face judgment.

Closing: Live Free by Grace

Pastor Leonard concludes by reminding believers that true righteousness is not earned—it is received through Jesus. Giving, sowing, and serving should come from identity and love, not obligation or manipulation. He says, “I am, I have, and I can—because of Jesus. Period.” The message closes by reiterating that to break free from traditionalism, experience-based religion, and legalism, we must stand firm in the too-good-to-be-true grace of God, where there is no guilt, shame, or condemnation.

We hope this article has blessed you. Share this teaching with someone who may be struggling under the weight of religious performance. Jesus came to set us free—completely. Stand fast in that freedom and live in the joy of His amazing grace.